“Many are facing choosing between putting food on the table or switching on the heating.
Firefighters look like being the latest public sector workers to take strike action over below-inflation pay offers.
The Fire Brigades Union said a UK wide strike is a “step closer” as its members are being balloted over whether to take action. The union has overwhelmingly rejected a 5% pay offer with almost eight out of ten members voting to turn it down on a turnout of 78%.The ballot will run until January 30 with fire and rescue service personnel having until then to return their ballot paper.John McKenzie, FBU Scottish Secretary, said:"Firefighters are key workers who keep our communities safe but since 2010 our members have seen £4000 real terms cut to their incomes.
A newly qualified firefighter’s earnings start at under £25,000. This increases to around £32,000 a year with experience. The union has said of the offer: “Bills are rising dramatically. Firefighters are increasingly struggling to pay their mortgage or rent.“We can't go on like this.”
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